Arrest Made For Death Of Francisco Javier Rodriguez Jr., Teen Fatally Shot After Answering The Door

LOS ANGELES — A 24-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were arrested for investigation of the murder of a popular high school soccer player who apparently was lured out of his home and gunned down last week, police said Tuesday.

Leaders of a special investigative task force said both suspects, Jason Schumann of Calabasas and Elizabeth Ibarra of Los Angeles, have extensive criminal records, but they did not immediately specify a motive for the killing of a student they described as being on the right track in life. Both suspects were taken into custody Monday and are being held on $1 million bail.

Francisco Javier Rodriguez Jr., a 17-year-old soccer goalie at El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills, was shot on Jan. 11 after returning home from a game.

Relatives said he was killed after answering the door and stepping outside, where a red-haired woman had been seen. Police believe Ibarra lured Rodriguez into the front yard when he was shot. Ibarra apparently dyed her hair dark brown following the shooting, authorities said.

Investigators have said Rodriguez's killing was not random, but "personally motivated" and resulted in numerous tips, Deputy Chief Jorge Villegas said.

"There's a specific anonymous tip that came to us and we need that person to come forward, identify himself or herself, and provide us with additional information that we need to solidify this case," Villegas said at a news conference attended by the victim's family.

Family members didn't speak to reporters, asking for privacy.

Rodriguez's family said he had no gang affiliation and his life centered on soccer. Days before the shooting, Rodriguez came back home from a soccer tournament in Hawaii where he had spent a week and a half.

Schumann's record includes assault with a deadly weapon, battery, narcotics violations and forgery. Ibarra's record includes forgery, battery on a police officer, resisting arrest and identity theft. Both are on probation.

The murder weapon has not yet been recovered, Villegas said.

Police declined to reveal whether Rodriguez knew either suspect. Authorities would only say there was a "significant relationship" between Schumann and Ibarra and the two are believed to be the only ones involved in the slaying.